Outdoor Sport Show this weekend in Oaks

By MARY CANTELL, For Journal Register News Service

Monday, February 11, 2013

If you’re under the impression that the Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sport Show is nothing more than a showcase for bait and tackle gear, plus perhaps the latest model hunting rifle, you’d be surprised. In fact, it’s not even a show just for adults. While there won’t be any lions, tigers, or bears (oh, my), there will be some very intriguing four-footed creatures among the guests invited to the four-day expo, also dubbed a “paradise” for outdoor enthusiasts.

In addition to seeing the best of 2013 in terms of top-flight fishing, hunting and boating equipment (much of it exclusive to the show), as well as RVs and ATVs and the opportunity to plan your next outdoor vacation or weekend escape, you’ll find some engaging features scattered throughout the 200,000-square-foot facility.

Meet the host of the Sportsman Channel’s “MeatEater,” Steven Rinella, who will share some hunting tips along with some of the best hunters and anglers in the business: legendary bowhunter Myles Keller; champion anglers Davy Hite and Paul Elias (register at www.bassuniversity.com and get free show admission); Leigh and Travia Creekbaum along with Lane Benoit and several others will be on hand to answer questions.

Among the notable animal guests are a pack of rescued wolves, red deer, a gun dog retriever, falcons, hawks and lots of trout in a fishing simulator/trout pond (don’t miss the Bobbing for Trout competition)!

“It’s a world of outdoor pursuits all under one roof,” says show manager Paul Fuller.

The whole family especially will enjoy the Wolves of the World exhibit, where the only traveling wolf pack in the U.S. will be featured.

“I’ve learned so much from these animals,” said naturalist Michael Sandlofer, who rescues stray wolves. “How they communicate … it’s a great thing to watch.”

Sandlofer and his wife have trained the animals using positive reinforcement that lends to the key aspects of the wolves’ physiology, habits and lifestyle behaviors. While unlike dogs, (they don’t need man’s approval nor do they bark), they are often misunderstood and not liked. However, despite popular opinion, they are neither vicious nor malicious.

“We can learn a lot from the wolves with their strong social bonds, bravery and intelligence,” said Sandlofer. “The Indians learned how to hunt from them.”

You’ll see the wolves demonstrate their intelligence, agility and athleticism as they climb, leap and jump on command. At the end of the demo, selected audience members will have a chance to see the five young cubs being fed up close in their natural habitat.

Also among the features will be a live raptor demonstration. Cheri Heimbach, falconer and raptor trainer from Baywings Falconry in Lewisburg will conduct educational talks focusing on birds in the balance of nature and how the threat of birds also affects man. She will also entertain through an audience participation exercise with some of her birds, including Starlight, a white gyrfalcon from the Arctic.

“She’s one of our most beautiful birds,” said Heimbach of one of the rarest of all falcons.

Heimbach and her son will demonstrate the keen intelligence of six different raptors (peregrine falcon, Harris’ hawk and others) as they command the birds in flying and listening exercises.

At this year’s show, you’ll find the great outdoors calling you to share its many wonders — all within 200,000 square feet. Not to mention, a marionette show. Yes, that too!